In the home of the American Dream, approximately one in five adults believes it’s morally wrong to sit on vast sums of wealth. That being said, the vast majority of Americans argue being uber-rich isn’t a matter of ethics.
The difference in opinion between the oldest and youngest respondents was most dramatic on the issue of wealth, compared with other subjects Pew asked the public about. The issue Americans felt was most morally wrong, across the board, was having an affair while married.
Fast-forward to the latest data, for Q3 2025, the top 0.1% holds $24.89 trillion of the total $172.9 trillion. The top 99 to 99.9% holds approximately $30 trillion, while the bottom 50% holds $4.25 trillion.
